StormLoser

If I move to Cornwall, what's the betting the whole lot will change and the South East will start getting all the storms...?

I looked at Dan's & Nick's forecasts... hmm. Any cumulus here is towering sideways and the air feels fairly dry. I don't really think the SE is on for anything, even should more moist air come in. I often grumble about the "Thames Estuary High" but it's something I've noticed for years now. The city and the estuary seem to generate their own dry zone like a semi-permanent wedge of high pressure cap over the area. I suspect it is the arc of low hills surrounding the capital north, west and south. It will be in effect today. (It's my theory and I'm sticking to it ) My take is activity in the west country today and evening. Enjoy it down there!

Humid, looking at the radar but I have a sinking feeling this is going to be a all-west country show. (I'll suppress the Dolly Parton music... ). We'll get some rain here in the south east but I can't see it being particularly intense.

I was watching the potential imports from France to the South East. Sadly they're drying out as they move over the Channel.

A gap that also covers Reigate - noteable for its complete absence of any electrical activity. Short of putting a plug in and switching on the kettle. Perhaps my luck will change today? Even this morning's "storm" is missing us. Gah!

Well, some medium to light rain drifting off east from Reigate. Nice to have the garden watered. Enjoy the storms for those lucky enough to get them.

Don't you know? That's the new "Netweather Storms & Convective Discussion Group Storm App!" Tends to be a bit rose-tinted, though.

I like the look of that! Here's hoping!

Wasn't it supposed to rain? Not a drop here in Death Valley, (a.k.a Reigate). Back to watering the plants. Weekend looks like it could have some interest?

Rain? Did someone mention rain? What's that? Down here in "Death Valley", Reigate, we have not had substantial rain since mid March. Apart from 1.5 days of rain three weeks back, and a few showers, it had been largely wall-to-wall sunshine. Our garden lives on our sprinkler. I thought I saw some tumbleweed blowing around and a giraffe grazing the eucalyptus. The eucalyptus tree, of course, loves this, being an Oz implant. I cut the lawns, and all I got was a cloud of dust. I've got to the point I'd welcome a week of rain, drizzle and (of course) major thunderstorms. Anything to get some moisture into the ground. I hope mid week might bring us some action. Then again, I'm not holding my breath because I seem to live in a Reigate-sized High Pressure area.

Woke up this morning, expecting some small amount of rain here in 'Death Valley' (Reigate). Looks like I put the patio stuff away last night for nothing. Apart from one night and day of rain two weeks ago it has not rained significantly here since 21 March. Cicadas are buzzing, heat haze over the brown wilting plants, and what's left of our pond is full of crows trying to cool off. Might have spotted some tumbleweed rolling down our road. (Just kidding). It is more humid today, so I'm hoping something will happen this evening. Anything. Please...

Does anyone know any traditional shamanic rituals for bringing rain (and storms)? I'm happy to sacrifice a goat, maybe a cow, or possibly our neighbours' gardener, "Baldy the Bl*wjob" (a hot-rod petrol leaf blower enthusiast who's driven me beyond insanity). Anything to get a storm, or rain at least. We've had 1.5 days real rain since 21 March here in Reigate. I think that counts as a desert now? I am hoping and hoping Thursday will bring us some rain! (And storms).

Woo hoo! Small storm passing Reigate here. Saw two streaks of lightning and heard plenty of thunder (but not a powerful storm, quite weak). Excellent.

Nice to step out and see active bubbly cumulus, a ton of moisture in the air and loads of higher clouds. Looking good! Estofex and Dan seem to agree. But I think here in the SE we're in more for fast moving heavy showers than anything seriously thundery. I think we need more heat on the ground but the sun isn't really getting to work.

The rain radar is nice to look at. Heavy rain with embedded CN and lightning all heading north. Yeah, right. Pull the other one...

Gad, Carruthers... The heat, the flies and the dust. Monday looks like it might be interesting. I have not seen a decent thunderstorm here in Reigate since 2018. Perhaps things might perk up?

I just came in from staring south, before mountain rescue had to recover my frozen body. I'm not seeing anything, so I'll chalk this up as thundery rain. I'm sure there is activity but not enough to make me stand out in the cold! Have fun those who do see stuff! I'm signing out. PS the Blitzorg site seems to be very delayed. That information looks around 2 hours old.

So it is! Hmm! I hope it continues...

Just a bit. I've just been out in the garden looking south. Normally, activity in the Channel is visible as high sky flashes. I am seeing nothing at all. Absolutely nowt. The phrase "it's a bust" is rapidly forming in my mind.....

My view through the Eastbourne webcam must have been taken last year. It's raining, but not one flash of lightning. Nothing in the Folkstone Jackanory Cam either....

I have just looked in on the Folkestone Harbour webcam in the hope of seeing something. That has got to be one of the most abysmal cams I have ever had the dissatisfaction of visiting. Delightful views of a giant doll's house, bouncing harbour walls, and close ups of lights. What on earth do they think people want to see? What type of bulbs they use in their harbour lights? Looking on the radar I'm guessing it will be only rain (much needed) by the time it reaches me. The electricity is draining out of the system, so far as I can see.

At last, we have rain. Beating pretty much a 4 week drought. Naturally it came down in force just as I went to the corner shop. At least the tumbleweed is being watered. I'm hearing a lot of positive noise about this evening. I have my fingers crossed I might actually see some action!

Preceded, of course, by a Yellow Weather warning which will stay in place despite the fact the sun is out and the police are chucking water over BBQs...

Well, I perked up with the forecasts for the South East. And then I read "bifurcation". OK, I know my history. That bifurcation will happen directly south of Reigate. I'll see the western mass of storms head...west. And the eastern mass become a Kent clipper. Lol. Anyway, here's for later, folks!

Thanks, Stabilo19, for that webcam link (adds new meaning to "web" cam!). I just saw a very nice bit of lightning on it!